Salem, N.J. -- As part of an ongoing initiative to bridge education and career development with future business and industry needs, Mannington hosted a half-day program for the South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators at its Salem headquarters last week.

A select group of teachers, from grades 4-12 and across all disciplines, met with Mannington team members. They learned about the company and the career opportunities that a business like Mannington offers.

Terry Marchetta, Mannington Mills senior director of residential styling, also took teachers through “Product Design Boot Camp,” where they got an insider’s view on how flooring is created and then tried their hand at designing it themselves.

“When it comes to jobs and careers, businesses like Mannington have more diverse opportunities to offer than teachers and students may realize,” said Trevor Morrow, Mannington Mills senior vice president of human resources. “Our business relies on analytic as well as creative thinkers within a wide range of fields such as design, business, finance, law, engineering, sales, marketing, operations, and environmental science.”

Mannington has been a sponsor of the South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators since its inception 28 years ago, demonstrating the company’s commitment to local education and employment.

The South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators is a three-week program that takes a unique approach to addressing the readiness of the region’s future workforce. By connecting teachers with local businesses in such an immersive, interactive way, they can prepare students for future employment with more insight and focus. Participating teachers incorporate what they learn into lesson plans and reach more than 50,000 students. The Institute is consistent with New Jersey’s Workplace Readiness Core Curriculum Standards and is a registered Professional Development Provider of credits. Graduates earn 100 hours of professional development credits.

For more information, visit www.mannington.com.